No charges pursued by Jefferson County Grand Jury in shooting death of 21-year-old at Shively animal clinic

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Jefferson County Grand Jury decided against an indictment in the shooting death of a 21-year-old man last month at Shively Animal Clinic and Hospital on Dixie Highway.

The grand jury was considering reckless homicide and second-degree manslaughter charges stemming from the Mother's Day shooting. Trent "TJ" Taylor Jr. was shot during some kind of argument at the clinic and died shortly thereafter at University of Louisville Hospital.

"They can't bring their son back but they were expecting some form of justice here," said David Mour, the attorney representing Taylor's family. "And my opinion is that they've been robbed of it."

Shively Police said the clinic was "extremely busy" that night when the shooting took place. There were more than 20 witnesses to interview. On May 18, the Shively Police Department said its investigation was completed and all documents and evidence had been given to the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.

Mour said he doesn't believe Taylor was the initial aggressor in the incident that night, but even if he were, Mour said whatever he did didn't warrant the use of deadly force in return.

"I think there are times when the use of deadly physical force to protect yourself or others is appropriate," Mour said. "In this instance, I just don't think it was."

According to a news release, the evidence in the case demonstrated that Taylor was shot and killed after he was the initial aggressor. Video and witness statements supported the person used deadly force in self-defense against Taylor. Video angles and witness statements show Taylor hitting the person and had his arm across their throat, according to a statement by the Commonwealth's Attorney.

WDRB News won't name the person involved in the shooting because no charges were filed.

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